The Church is Formed
April 30, 2023
Dave Brereton traces the work of the triune God through creation, incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection to show that Pentecost is the next great act of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in forming the church. In Acts 2:1–13, he explains that the Holy Spirit unites believers into one body, empowers them for witness, and continues today with undiminished power, calling the church to live in unity, holiness, and Spirit-filled obedience. He urges believers not to let secondary differences divide them, but to celebrate the Spirit’s unifying work and participate in God’s ongoing mission to the world.
Believers All Together
May 21, 2023
Louis Bridgman traces the birth of the early church in Acts 2:42–47, showing how the Holy Spirit formed a devoted community marked by apostolic teaching, fellowship, shared meals, and prayer. He emphasizes that this vibrant togetherness, generosity, and public witness was not driven by human effort but by the living presence of the Holy Spirit. Finally, he calls the modern church to the same Spirit-dependent devotion, humble love, and Christlike unity, even amid imperfection.
Controversy and Vindication
August 20, 2023
Glenn Smith traces four vignettes in Acts 11 to show how the center of gravity of the early church shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch, bringing geographic, cultural, and numerical expansion as the gospel reaches Greek-speaking pagans. He calls the church to take its context seriously, remain open to the Spirit’s surprising work, and personally learn to recognize and join the hand and grace of God at work.
First Missionary Journey Commences
September 3, 2023
Doug Virgint traces the church at Antioch in Acts 13:1-13 as a Spirit-led, worshiping community that hears God’s voice and responds in obedience by sending Paul and Barnabas into mission. He underscores that God advances His gospel through surrendered people and Spirit-empowered courage in the face of resistance.